Ah, Junior Eurovision. It’s the playful offspring of our beloved Eurovision, but we think the contest has offered some of the most memorable, catchy and energetic performances since it began back in 2003. Although it has never grown to the heights of Eurovision, we still think it deserves the same attention. Because of this, we’ve decided to look closer at the contest to choose our Top 5 Junior Eurovision songs. We’ve split the post into two parts. Firstly, we’re going to be looking at the contest between the years of 2003 and 2009. Stay tuned for the part 2, which will feature our top 5 Junior Eurovision songs between 2010 and 2015!
5. Lithuania – Eglė Jurgaitytė – Laiminga Diena – 2008
In 2008, Lithuania achieved their best result at Junior Eurovision out of 4 attempts. Eglė Jurgaitytė was the participant, and Laiminga Diena was the song, which means Happy Day. This song is just that, it’s a feel good song with a confident vocalist behind it. The performance is cute, and the song is catchy, especially because of the universally understood ‘whoah oh’s’. Overall I think this definitely deserves a spot in our top 5.
4. The Netherlands – Ralf Mackenbach – Click Clack – 2009
We couldn’t have a top 5 without Ralf Mackenbach. Another case of the universal ‘whoah oh’s’, but it’s ultimate proof that the strategy works. The song is Click Clack, and it would have to be one of the most memorable Junior Eurovision songs of this period. Ralf’s voice is great throughout the song, and he is obviously a hit with the audience, as the whole performance is backed up with a chorus of screaming girls! We can’t say we’re a fan of the vertical striped jacket, but otherwise the performance had everything it took to win, and win it did.
3. Croatia – Dino Jelusić – Ti Si Moja Prva Ljubav – 2003
The very first contest was exciting and full of energy, and it was Croatia who won the first edition of Junior Eurovision, and for good reason. Dino Jelusić performed the song Ti Si Moja Prva Ljubav, which means You Are My First Love. This was Europe’s first Junior Eurovision love, and what is there not to love about this? The slower piano start builds up into a high energy pop song with a confident young voice. Dino copes with the key change perfectly, and moves confidently around the stage and engages with the camera well. The red studded jacket is also a hit with us!
2. Spain – Maria Isabel – Antes Muerta que Sencilla – 2004
If you’re an avid follower of Eurovision national finals, you may remember Maria Isabel who participated in the Spanish national final in 2016. This wasn’t her first Eurovision experience. Maria Isabel participated for Spain in Junior Eurovision in 2004 with the song Antes Muerta que Sencilla which translates to Better Dead than Plain. Maria Isabel won comfortably with 171 points, and it’s easy to see why. Right from the first second of the song, Maria and her dancers bring so much energy, and it’s distinctively Spanish. The build up to the chorus and then the chorus itself is catchy, and it’s well matched with the stage performance and light show. Overall, we just love this song!
1. France – Thomas Pontier – Si on Voulait Bien – 2004
Heading back to 2004 again, where France made their debut in the contest with Thomas Pontier. The song was called Si on Voulait Bien which translates to, if we really wanted to. Everything about this song is so suave, although you could say that Thomas does seem a bit underdressed for the occasion! Thomas has good control of his voice, and the performance is simple, but it allows the music and his voice shine. It oozes class, but is still really catchy, and it’s for these reasons we think this definitely deserves our top spot! This entry turned out to be France’s only Junior Eurovision entry, but at least it was a good one!
So there it is, our top 5 Junior Eurovision songs from the years 2003 – 2009! Make sure you let us know which songs are your favourites! Stay tuned for out part 2, which will feature our top 5 Junior Eurovision songs between the years 2010 and 2015!
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